“Retro Revival” by AXL

From “One More Time” to “Keep On Living,” Retro Revival by AXL, the Alex Lopez Xpress, packs a blues/rock punch like no other, including Lopez himself, even though he’s had his share of success as an independent recording and touring blues/rock artist with a solid band. This album has a twist in the tale of Lopez, but it’s a step forward into a funkier musical backdrop which shows another side, with fun being the idea, but it’s not without some ballads to go with the rockers. Each track compels from a different angle, with a few of them making it stick with more of one thing or another.

The opening vibes of “One More Time” shows a weathering blues man can still have another go at it with something to say once again, like it’s just the next time out, but you feel a sinisterness behind the title, as if it’s all Lopez has left in his heart to go. It doesn’t last long as a title concept, but it gets the album started and “Good Lovin’” rectifies any misconception and Lopez starts to really mean business, as this is more like a Retro Revival would suggest, and it manages to do just that.

“When I Sing The Blues” is a traditional blues rock ballad with Lopez giving his all in the vein of SRV and other contemporaries, showing he not only understands the blues, but can play and sings with the best of his influences without question. Just take it in and see how he compares to such greats and see how things take a turn on the next track. “Here I Am” is a barnstorming track with a lot of backlashes on the static norms of the day, complaining about stuff worth mentioning when it all boils down to it.

“What The World Needs” goes even deeper into the topicality of Retro Revival, adding more color to the concept and overall message Lopez delivers, and the lyrics explain all the apparently needed things. But tracks like “Hey Little Sister” offer up some of the best of what’s to be heard on the disc, so it’s one of several that contend for it. And gotta love “Angry” as a primary example of the level of songwriting and performing in the studio on Retro Revival, where ALX make the most of it and further establish their blues/rock prowess, with a bit of funk to top it off, and check the guitar talent while you’re at it.

“Loving You Gives Me The Blues” keeps the middle of the road hungry for more, as it lands more in the lap of classic rockers who like the blues, and “Name Of Love” puts the blues back in step. And “Black Hole” and “Keep On Living” could very well be the sleeper songs on Retro Revival, by ALX, as they both bring wonders to the mix, both much worth partaking on repeat as they make you want to hear more of the fabulous blues/rock and other values of the Alex Lopez catalog.

Michael Rand